A function which is not an algebraic function. In other words, a function which "transcends," i.e., cannot be expressed in terms of, algebra. Examples of transcendental functions include the exponential function, the trigonometric functions, and the inverse functions of both.
Transcendental Function
See also
Algebraic Function, Elementary Function, Painlevé TranscendentsExplore with Wolfram|Alpha
Cite this as:
Weisstein, Eric W. "Transcendental Function." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/TranscendentalFunction.html